Centre for Policy on Ageing



Development of an awareness context theory typology for addressing communication patterns in mild dementia
Author(s)	Samuel J Marwit, Thomas M Meuser, Debra E Bryer
Journal title	Clinical Gerontologist, vol 28, no 4, 2005
Pages	pp 61-80
Source	http://www.tandfonline.com
Keywords	Dementia ; Early ; Married couples ; Personal relationships ; Communication ; Recognition ; Theory ; Methodology.
Annotation	A 2-step qualitative/ quantitative method was used to study the applicability and utility of awareness context theory (ACT) for understanding couples' communication when one member has early-stage dementia. Results indicate that the majority of early-stage demented spouses - primarily males in this study - maintain an idealised perception of communication and marital satisfaction that is often not matched by their partner. Where communication is acknowledged as mutually open, there is an accompanying elevation in scores on marital satisfaction and intimacy. Disagreement about communication style is positively related to openness to professional help. Findings support the utility of ACT for understanding couples in early-stage dementia. A 6-category typology of ACT is presented for consideration. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-061023004 A
Classmark	EA: 4J: SM: DS: U: 4AD: 4D: 3D
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.